‘Someone on the inside, obviously.’ She paused. ‘You don’t think it’s Polly, do you?’ She hoped not, having formed a real attachment to her.
‘No. She doesn’t know Anika.’
‘Jennifer?’ she suggested, not really thinking it would be his PA.
Felix laughed. ‘Definitely not. Jennifer hates Anika.’
‘Well, yes, that’s true,’ conceded Emma, then added, ‘but now that the stalking’s stopped, does it really matter?’
Felix looked out across the bay, its frozen water smooth and clear as glass.
‘Yes, it does matter, Emma. I don’t like working with people I can’t trust.’
Perry’s opinion of Felix had improved. Not that he’d particularly thought badly of him, but since he’d assured him that his intentions towards Emma were honourable, Perry could relax. He knew in his bones that Emma was in safe hands over there on the peninsula. In fact, the way Felix had behaved towards them all gave him confidence. He was a decent bloke, and a rich one at that. Emma could end up being extremely well looked after, thought Perry. Not that money mattered to him. He knew first-hand how a father could ruin his daughter’s happiness, especially by obstructing their love life. Felix could be a pauper for all he cared, as long as it was Emma’s choice. They appeared very suitably matched, as Bunty pointed out on their way home.
‘Emma looks very comfortable with Felix. There’s clearly chemistry between them. I think they make a good couple,’ she’d commented. She’d also burst out laughing when Perry had told her about Felix’s ‘honourable intentions’. ‘Sounds like a scene from one of his dramas,’ she’d retorted.
‘I think they make a good couple too,’ agreed Perry.
‘So you feel better about the situation?’ she asked.
‘I do,’ he smiled. ‘I just wish Emma had told me sooner about her ordeal, but at least the mad woman’s behind bars and she’s safe now. It’s reassuring to see how much Felix is protective of my daughter too. Now it’s time to concentrate onus, our wedding.’
‘Yes, I’ve given it some thought,’ replied Bunty.
‘Good. So what’s happening?’ he chuckled, knowing she’d have everything worked out. For him, he’d just have a simple registry office do, with minimum fuss, but doubted Bunty would settle for that. And, actually, why should she? He’d been married before, but Bunty hadn’t.
‘Something a bit different. Not a conventional one,’ warned Bunty, trying to gauge his reaction.
‘Go on.’ He gave a wry grin.
‘Well, I thought,’ she paused, ‘of a hog roast on the beach.’
Perry’s heart leaped, loving the idea. ‘When?’ he asked.
‘Spring, when the weather hopefully picks up.’
‘Hmm, a bit risky though. What if it’s pouring down?’
‘We’d have to have it undercover in the garden. A small marquee, but the beach would be so much better, wouldn’t it?’
She could picture it now – clear blue skies, a sunlit, sparkling bay, family and friends laughing on the golden sand, merry music filling the air, the delicious waft of hog roast, her in a white floaty number, Perry in a white linen suit, both barefoot on the beach…
‘It certainly would, sweetheart.’ He adored watching her face light up. Nobody deserved this more than Bunty and he’d do anything to make their wedding day as special as she wanted.
‘So, I think we ought to set the date, in April.’
‘Sooner the better.’ He blew her a kiss.
‘Oh, Perrywinkle,’ she teased with affection.
Robin was labouring hard with Jack. Ever since buying the warehouse by Lancaster quay, they’d never stopped. The sheer size of the place meant that both men would have to work tirelessly to complete the six renovated apartments. Jack, who had been the driving force behind the project, estimated they’d be completed within two years. Robin, ever conscious of how his life was about to change that summer, felt compelled to tell Jack about Jasmine’s pregnancy. It only seemed right that his business partner and best friend was given notice, and Robin needed to explain to Jack that he’d need to have some time off when the baby was born. They might decide to bring in extra help, even on a temporary basis, to cover paternity leave.
After discussing the matter with Jasmine she’d agreed to tell Jack, on the condition he wasn’t to tell a soul.
‘If it got out before our families knew, it’d be terrible,’ she cautioned.
‘Don’t worry. I’ll make him swear to secrecy,’ replied Robin, knowing his mate could be trusted.
